3 days
Local experiences
London by helicopter: getaway with HeliLondon
From
1 500€
1 500€
The Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days: a complete guide
August 2026
◷ 9-minute read
The Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days: a complete guide
Le Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days is an excellent way to discover the west coast of Ireland. This scenic route runs along the Atlantic and passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country: cliffs, wild beaches, mountains, peninsulas and small coastal villages.
From Donegal to Kerry, the possibilities are numerous. However, in ten days, it's important to make choices. Trying to cover the entire Wild Atlantic Way would quickly turn the trip into a succession of long days on the road.
So, which regions should you prioritize? How many kilometers should you plan to cover? Where should you stop? Here are our tips for discovering the Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days and fully enjoy the west of Ireland.
What is the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a major tourist route that runs along the Atlantic coast of Ireland.
It extends over approximately 2,500 kilometers, from the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork.
It thus passes through several of the country's most iconic regions.
Donegal, County Mayo, Connemara, the Burren, Kerry and the Cork region each possess a distinct identity.
The Wild Atlantic Way is therefore not simply a route to follow. Rather, it represents a network of coastal roads, detours, and natural sites that allow you to explore western Ireland.
Is it possible to travel the entire Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days?
Technically, it would be possible to travel a very large part of the route.
However, we do not recommend it.
The distances may seem reasonable on a map, but the roads in western Ireland are often narrow and winding. Moreover, the appeal of the journey lies precisely in the numerous stops.
In 10 days on the Wild Atlantic Way, It is therefore better to select several regions rather than trying to travel the entire 2,500 kilometers.
For example, a first trip could combine Donegal, Mayo, Connemara, County Clare and Kerry.
Donegal and its wild landscapes
Donegal is one of the wildest regions of the route.
Located in the northwest of Ireland, it offers a succession of mountains, beaches and cliffs.
Among the must-see sites are the impressive Slieve League.
These cliffs directly overlook the Atlantic and offer a particularly spectacular landscape.
Donegal also has many beaches, small harbors and coastal roads that are much less busy than some areas in the south.
It's an excellent destination to start a road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Sligo and Benbulben
Heading south, County Sligo is also worth a stop.
The landscape is dominated by Benbulben, a mountain easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive shape.
The region combines mountains and the Atlantic coast.
Strandhill is a particularly pleasant place to enjoy the seaside. The area is also very popular with surfers.
Sligo thus allows for a natural transition between Donegal and County Mayo.
Achill Island, between mountains and ocean
Accessible by a bridge, Achill Island is one of the major stops on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The island features many landscapes characteristic of the west coast of Ireland.
The scenic Atlantic Drive allows you to travel along part of the coastline.
Further away, Keem Bay reveals a beach surrounded by verdant mountains.
Achill deserves at least a full day. It would be a shame to simply cross the island to take a few photos before leaving.
This is precisely where we understand why it is necessary to avoid overloading a ten-day trip.
Westport, a pleasant stop in the Mayo
Westport makes an excellent base for exploring County Mayo.
Its center has colorful streets, pubs and several restaurants.
The city also provides easy access to Achill Island.
For cycling enthusiasts, the region is known for the Great Western Greenway, a developed route linking in particular Westport, Newport, Mulranny and Achill Sound.
Westport therefore provides a more urban and convivial stopover between two days devoted to the great outdoors.
Connemara, a must-see on the Wild Atlantic Way
It's impossible to talk about the Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days without mentioning Connemara.
This region of County Galway is famous for its peat bogs, mountains, lakes and small roads.
Clifden provides an excellent base for exploring the region.
From the city, take in particular the Sky Road, one of the most famous scenic routes in Connemara.
Further north, Connemara National Park offers several hiking opportunities.
Diamond Hill offers the opportunity to gain altitude and admire the surrounding landscapes.
Kylemore Abbey
Near the national park is Kylemore Abbey.
Situated on the edge of a lake and surrounded by mountains, the abbey has become one of the iconic images of Connemara.
The visit allows you to discover part of the building, its neo-Gothic church and its gardens.
Kylemore Abbey can easily be combined with a day spent in the national park.
Roundstone and the beaches of Connemara
The south of Connemara is also worth exploring.
The small port of Roundstone makes for a pleasant stop on the coast.
Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay are located nearby.
These two beaches offer landscapes very different from the mountains and peat bogs generally associated with Connemara.
This diversity partly explains why we recommend dedicating at least two days to this region.
Galway, the great city of the west
After several days in the great outdoors, Galway offers a change of atmosphere.
The city is known for its lively center, pubs and music scene.
Take a walk through the Latin Quarter and then head to the Spanish Arch and the docks.
Galway is also an excellent stopover before continuing on to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
An evening in the city allows you to discover another facet of the culture of western Ireland.
The Burren, a unique landscape in Ireland
South of Galway begins the Burren.
This region has a very distinctive limestone landscape.
The vast rocky expanses contrast sharply with the green landscapes found elsewhere in Ireland.
Small roads allow you to cross the region and gradually reach the coast.
The Burren also forms a natural transition before the Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are among the most famous natural sites in Ireland.
They dominate the Atlantic Ocean for several kilometers and exceed 200 meters in height in some places.
Several viewpoints allow you to admire the cliffs.
However, the site can get very busy during peak season.
For a more peaceful experience, if possible, choose the beginning or end of the day.
The Dingle Peninsula
Further south, County Kerry offers yet another facet of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Dingle Peninsula constitutes one of the regions we would favour during a ten-day trip.
From Dingle, the Slea Head Drive runs along part of the peninsula.
The route allows you to discover Dunquin, the landscapes of the Blasket Islands, Gallarus Oratory and several beaches.
The narrow roads and numerous panoramic views once again invite you to take your time.
Killarney and its national park
Killarney is an excellent stop to complete the exploration of western Ireland.
Le Killarney National Park It combines mountains, forests and lakes.
Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey and Torc Waterfall are among the most accessible sites.
Travelers wishing to walk more can also use several trails in the park.
Killarney then allows you to continue towards the Ring of Kerry or to begin the return journey.
How far should I travel each day?
On the Wild Atlantic Way, it's best to think in terms of travel time than in kilometers.
A distance of 100 kilometers can take much longer than expected.
The roads are sometimes narrow. You will also have to pass through villages and stop regularly to enjoy the scenery.
For a pleasant journey, avoid planning four or five hours of driving per day.
The ideal approach is to alternate days of travel with days devoted to a specific region.
How many nights should I plan to stay in the same place?
Changing hotels every night may seem efficient on paper.
In reality, it quickly becomes tiring.
On a ten-day trip, we recommend keeping several bases for two nights.
Clifden is perfect for exploring Connemara. Westport offers access to Mayo and Achill Island. Finally, Dingle and Killarney provide numerous options in Kerry.
This arrangement allows more time for sightseeing and reduces baggage-related constraints.
What is the best time to travel the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way can be explored all year round.
However, May, June and September are particularly interesting.
The days are long enough and the number of visitors may be lower than in the middle of summer.
July and August also offer long days, but the most popular sites and accommodations are more crowded.
Regardless of the season, pack waterproof clothing.
The weather on the Atlantic coast can change rapidly.
Should we rent a car?
To freely explore the Wild Atlantic Way, a car remains the most practical solution.
It allows access to beaches, viewpoints and small villages that are difficult to reach by public transport.
However, you need to be comfortable driving on the left.
Some coastal roads are also very narrow.
Take your time and avoid planning days with overly tight schedules.
Our tips for successfully hiking the Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days
The main piece of advice is simple: Don't try to see everything.
The Wild Atlantic Way rewards travelers who take their time more than those who seek to accumulate miles.
Plan a few essential steps, but also leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
A small beach, a pub, a village or an unexpected viewpoint can easily become one of the best memories of the trip.
Finally, be flexible depending on the weather. A rainy day can be spent exploring a city or a cultural site, while a clear day will be ideal for cliffs and hiking.
Discover the west coast of Ireland
Browse the Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days It provides an excellent overview of the diversity of western Ireland.
Donegal offers wild and spectacular landscapes. Achill Island blends beaches and mountains. Connemara reveals its lakes and peat bogs. Further south, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren offer yet another completely different landscape.
Finally, Kerry allows you to complete the journey between peninsulas, mountains and coastal roads.
Ten days is not enough to discover the entirety of the Wild Atlantic Way. However, this duration is already sufficient to create a superb trip, provided you carefully select your stops.
You can also find our Tailor-made trips to Ireland to discover other regions and inspirations.
For more information about the route and its different regions, consult the Official website of Tourism Ireland.
BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL
Create my tripDo you want to experience this trip?
Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.
Updated on August 24, 2026
Our latest trips
Your adventure in Scotland, England or Ireland starts now!
Explore other guides
England with the family: travelling to England with children
England with the family: traveling with...
Free museums, knights' castles, Harry Potter studios and beaches…
Ireland with the family: travelling to Ireland with children
Ireland with the family: traveling with...
Castles, vertiginous cliffs, farms and…